Hypocrisy - everyone purports to hate it. Yet we all engage in it to some extent at some point(s) in our lives. This is a character trait which is almost always seen as a major flaw -- in others. We are always being hypocritical to the extent that we hide our true feelings and state of mind from others. In some cases, this can actually be positive. Small temporary acts of hypocrisy may well be necessary for the smooth flow of our relationships. The alternative is radical honesty which is fine in theory and may well work out in practice for a lot of people but it could lead to breakdown in relationships that may well not have occurred otherwise. The major problem with hypocrisy is not temporary acts of the same. The problem occurs when this mode of behavior becomes a permanent or a major facet of our personality. Hypocritical acts are acts of omission and lies. These can be big or small, but they add up over time and eventually result in a double life.
Hypocrisy comes in many forms and flavors. Perhaps most common is racial hypocrisy; condemning a particular people due to the perceived inferiority of their race based on specious physical characteristics while at the same time often secretly fraternizing with them. Another very common form of hypocrisy comes in loudly and volubly advocating the importance of family while at the same time pursuing actions that undermine family life. Public figures and people who achieve prominence seem to suffer from this disproportionately. Religion is another avenue where people pursue hypocritical actions. This typically comes in the form of insisting on others following the tenets of one's particular religious faith while not observing the same at the same time. For example, nearly every religion condemns financial corruption. Countless people do the same on religious grounds while at the same time being financially corrupt. Needless to say, such actions give ammunition to opponents of religion. Yet another form of hypocrisy comes when we demand greater morality from prominent figures than what we ourselves practice.
Does it matter even if various form(s) of hypocrisy are widespread in a society? Generally speaking the answer is yes it matters but in come cases, the answer can be an equivocal depends. Some forms of behavior are best not publicized. Sexual promiscuity is a prime example of this. If I think that people in my society are not sexually adventurous and this is also generally condemned, then that will act as an impediment on behavior that is considered unacceptable. If however I feel that others are also doing the same kinds of action, then I will be more brazen in my behavior. On the other hand, hypocritical behavior on crime, specially financial crime, is a bad idea as the negative impact of such actions affects a far larger number of people.
Hypocrisy that affects the smooth functioning of larger society needs to be condemned in no uncertain terms. Hypocrisy that affects an individual also needs to be condemned but in a counseling manner; the primary aim being to reform the individual's behavior.
No comments:
Post a Comment